Based on the TYH podcast “Tachlis, What’s My Avoda?” with Harav Yussie Zakutinsky Shlita and Yakov Wohlgelerner. Listen to more, available on all podcast streaming platforms.
The Ishbitzer writes: “All of the experiences in this world are like a dream that requires interpretation. The way a person interprets it, that is how it will be.” The “experiences” the Izbhitzer is referring to are the actions of our fellow Yidden.
We decide how in Heaven they look at the Jewish people.
We decide how in Heaven they look at a particular community or a particular Jew.
We decide that every Yid loves Hashem and loves the Jewish people.
We decide that every Yid is connected to Shabbos.
We decide that every Yid is connected to Torah and mitzvos.
We can vocalize this, not necessarily with a loudspeaker to the entire world, but to ourselves. We can talk this way and believe in this truth. What if we struggle to fully believe this? Deep, deep down, on the ‘inside’ we believe this. We can push ourselves to express our belief of this on the ‘outside’ by expressing it in our thoughts and words. Therefore, even if in the ‘’middle’ there is a part of us that has a hard time believing this, since that middle part is sandwiched by belief, it’s like it isn’t there. The ark in the Beis Hamikdash was made out of gold – but technically it consisted of three boxes – the innermost and outermost boxes were gold and the middle box was wood. For all practical purposes, we can say the ark was made out of gold, because the wood that was sandwiched between two layers of gold is irrelevant. If deep down we believe it, and we express it on the outside, then the “wood” in the middle is irrelevant.
We have to remind the Moshe Rabbeinu within us of this incredible power so we don’t forget what we could accomplish for the Jewish people! It is our responsibility to use our ability to defend our people from judgment. Why did Hashem put us in an era where we all know what Jews are doing all over the world? Was it just to stress us out? Of course not! If Hashem gave us the ability to know what Yidden all over the world are doing, that means He is telling us to do something about it! I should do something about the actions of the Jewish people all over the world!? What can I do?
The simplest, easiest, and maybe the most direct thing to do is to stand up (or sit in your seat) and say “Reboinoi Shel Oilem, the Jewish people are the most amazing, exceptional, mysterious people on earth and everything that they think, say, or do, is about You, and they are just trying to connect to You, and everything else is balagan and baloney and meaningless!” Say that to Hashem, and you will be po’el yeshuos, you will bring salvation to Yidden all over the world! This ability is ours – it is not just for big chassidishe Rebbes! This will bring redemption with mercy, compassion, and love. A Yid has the ability to think or say this at any time in any place: turn your eyes to the Heavens and defend your brothers and sisters. One who does this is bringing Moshiach with compassion.
This is one of the most important avodas of a Yid right now. Tap into your Moshe Rabbeinu, your Aron Hakohen, and your Bardichever Rebbe and defend the Jewish people before all prosecution. Decide that the Jewish people are holy! “Amech kulam tzadikim,” the Jewish people just want to get closer to G-d and everything else is nonsense. Decide it, say it. Say it with strength and conviction!
This article was found in Nekuda Tova Issue 9.
